Chapter 176

Kieran's POV:

Adrien and Sera.

It was not anything unusual or bad but today… something inside me flickered the moment I laid eyes on them. Adrien’s hand was resting gently on Sera’s shoulder. It was nothing more than a comforting gesture. Then why was I feeling this way? Because I was on the edge or Adrien is such a perfect man that anyone would be willing to snatch him away.

But then he saw me and his entire body stiffened. His hand jerked back like I had caught him doing something wrong. Like he was guilty.

And that- That did something to me.

It twisted up the poison Celeste had left behind. Made it coil tighter around my ribs. Made it harder to breathe.

I knew it was irrational. I knew Adrien. I knew Sera. I trusted them more than anyone else in this damn palace. But still… I felt it.

I stood still.

“Hey,” Adrien said quickly, too quickly, stepping toward me. “You are out of bed.”

Sera turned too, smiling gently. “Kieran, you should be resting-”

Celeste spoke before I cou